Tonight’s East HS Football Game Canceled

DES MOINES, IA (October 17, 2014) – The Iowa High School Athletic Association is forcing the East Scarlets football team to forfeit tonight’s game against Ames High School, scheduled for tonight at Williams Stadium.

The IHSAA and Ames have reacted together to unsubstantiated internet rumors about safety at East High School. The IHSAA directed DMPS officials to either reschedule the game for tonight in Ames, tomorrow at East (in daylight only) or forfeit.

“IHSAA’s stance is disappointing and sets an insupportable precedent,” said Tom Ahart, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools. “The reasons Ames and the IHSAA are basing their decision on are baseless. This is an insult to our students, our school and the entire Des Moines community.”

“We have complete confidence that there are no more and no less safety concerns for tonight’s game than there would be for any other football game anywhere else in Iowa,” added interim Chief Schools Officer Matt Smith. “Based on our close work with the Des Moines Police Department in response to these rumors, the reasons cited by Ames and agreed to by IHSAA have no merit.”

“Forcing East to play a game on the road with a few hours notice or on a Saturday with less than a day’s notice lacks all respect for our students,” said Tim Schott, executive director of secondary schools at DMPS. “Many of our students work on the weekends, in jobs that they need to help support their families, and Ames and the IHSAA are jeopardizing the well-being of those students by making such a rash and groundless decision.”

DMPS plans to appeal the decision, if allowed by the IHSAA.